Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CONDONATION

In ecclesiastical law, the special concession to make up for Masses that have not been said and can no longer be easily said. The fruits of the Masses thus unapplied are supplied from the spiritual treasury of the Church. It is assumed that the Masses were not omitted through sinful neglect. Condonation can be granted only by the Holy See. (Etym. Latin con-, thoroughly + donare, to give: condonare, to remit, pardon.)